Duke Ellington

Physical Description: 2 photographs : b&w (1 negative) ; 18 x 13 cm and 12 x 8 cm

Admin History/Bio: Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington (b. April 29, 1899) was an American composer, pianist, and big band leader.; A prominent figure in the history of jazz, Ellington's music stretched into various other genres, including blues, gospel, film scores, popular, and classical. His career spanned more than 50 years and included leading his orchestra, composing an inexhaustible songbook, scoring for movies, and world tours.; Ellington called his music "American Music" rather than jazz, and liked to describe those who impressed him as "beyond category". These included many of the musicians who were members of his orchestra, some of whom are considered among the best in jazz in their own right, but it was Ellington who melded them into one of the most well-known jazz orchestral units in the history of jazz.; Ellington recorded for many American record companies, and appeared in several films.; Ellington led his band from 1923 until his death in 1974.

Repro Restriction: Copyright is in the public domain and permission for use is not required. Please credit the Ontario Jewish Archives as the source of the photograph.